The Djurgård striker’s mother died when he was 13 years old
Lucas Videmo was caught between hope and despair during the qualifiers. But that’s nothing against the tragedy he’s forced to deal with in real life.
The Djurgaard striker lost his mother, Anne Charlotte, when he was just 13 years old.
– She is always with me and I think about her all the time, he says.
It’s been up and down for Lucas Videmo, 27, during qualifying. With just five minutes remaining in the Fourth Semi-Final against Björkloven, he was conceded a penalty after slamming a club into the stomach of Leuven goalkeeper Fredrik Weigel.
His teammates managed to hold on to win that match and then win twice in a row, with Videmo suspended, to reach the final against Modo.
In the latter game, the stalwart ski striker returned and also scored the first goal on Tuesday when Djurgården tied the final series at 1-1.
– A really important victory, as strong as in the first match. It’s really nice to be able to win now. The score was heavy, says Vejdimo just minutes after equalizing at the end of regular time.
Djurgården now has two straight home games and a chance to tighten their grip on the SHL’s existing spot in the pot. Lukas Vejdemo suffered a serious thigh injury at the end of last season in the AHL and was ready to return to Djurgården only in February.
– Admittedly I’m late, but that’s what we’ve been fighting all season and we’re looking forward to it. He says playing these matches is as much fun as any other.
Gone fast that August night
Life has also been up and down for Lukas Vejdemo.
He had just become a teenager when life and security were shattered.
On an August evening in 2009, 13-year-old Lucas had just returned from a training session when everything turned upside down. Anne Charlotte, who just turned 50, had a heart attack.
Lucas and his sister, Rebecca, lost their mother.
It’s been 14 years since that painful evening, but the memories of Anne Charlotte are always there.
– you kind of get used to it, you get older and you grow. But she is always with me and I think of her all the time. It’s been a long journey but it’s always with you, says Lukas Vejdemo.
Thanks hockey very much
When Anne Charlotte was alive, she was often there when her son played hockey:
– I was so young when she died that I didn’t have time to get serious about hockey, but she was observant and helpful.
Lukas Vejdemo is grateful to hockey, which helped him a lot during the first difficult years after the death of his mother:
– I am very glad that I enjoyed hockey. There you can come to the skating rink, tan and be with the boys in the locker room. Especially in the early years it was very important to me. He says to run away and do something you love.
Now two games await in Hovet with Father Roland and Sister Rebecca in place:
– These are the most fun matches of the entire season, so they will be there to support them. And my mom… might as well be there cheering.